Dodgy Marketing, it always bites you in the butt

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Ben Young, serial entrepreneur, speaker, author and founder of bwagy shares daily ideas on his blog in small digestible bites, aimed to make you rethink business, marketing and the world around you. check out http://blog.bwagy.com

You know the kind – an absolutely awesome deal – $50 off*.

*Conditions Apply.

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You then read those conditions and the original deal doesn’t seem so great any more.

A Sideswipe reader shares the same story:

Dodgy marketing. The YMCA Auckland have a billboard promoting ‘eight weeks for $80 gym membership’, says a reader. “But in the terms and conditions you are required to sign up for a year ($21 a week) and then you’ll receive the extra eight weeks for $80.”

Please stop.  You’re wasting your time and money only to get a kickback when people find out your trick.  Honestly – no one is going to follow you up and go wow that’s a generous offer.

Offers/Specials/Discounts should be exactly what they say, shenanigans like this only betray all the other great work the brand does. Stop it. Now.

 
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  • Jo says
    Hi there
    We apologised in the Herald last week for the error on our A-Frame outside the Auckland City branch - we had left out '1st' by mistake - the offer is actually 1st 8 weeks for $80 when you join on a 12 month membership, and is very clear on all or our other advertising (currently on ZM & Classic Hits). The other statement is actually incorrect - you do receive your 1st 8 weeks for $80 and then sign up for another 10 months on the rate you choose according to which membership option.

    In no way did we mean to mislead anyone - the offer is fantastic as its stands without having to hide anything - only $10 a week for your first 2 months!

    So my apologies once again for the error. We pride ourselves in offering affordable fitness along with great service and free ongoing programmes, and for people wanting to get back into shape after the Xmas break it's a perfect opportunity to do so and also light on their wallets.

    Please also note that as a not-for-profit organisation the revenue from fitness memberships supports our community programmes such as youth development - we are not out to make a fast buck for our own pockets.

    Thanks
    Jo Clark
    General Manager Fitness & Training
    YMCA Auckland
    Reply
  • Sam says
    Crichton Clobbers - gym in Christchurch city - been around for ages - $21 per month - no contract - now thats a deal.
    Reply

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